EP#233 @oceanresearchproject Matt Rutherford
March 9, 2024 · 1h 18m · 739 views
What this video covers
Matt Rutherford of the Ocean Research Project joins Jerome Rand aboard Into Oblivion's podcast for a wide-ranging conversation recorded remotely.1:02 Rutherford's immediate priority is replacing his mainsail and staysail: North Sails quoted just under $9,000 for both, with a target of returning to sea by October or November.2:07 The new sails are potentially made from recycled plastic material, and Rutherford is exploring a collaboration with North Sails sailmaker Eric Wakefield to document them.3:21 His current sails fail at the stitching every time he reefs in heavy weather — a safety problem when a 40-knot system is bearing down.11:23 The two discuss the WestSail 32's history, including its dismasting risk tied to a rotting wooden boomkin and eye bolt losing the backstay, and compare notes on sail and rigging longevity versus use.17:35 Rutherford's upcoming Ocean Research Project expedition covers roughly 850 miles of the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers, including a 25–26-hour round trip up the Potomac to Washington D.C., running non-stop on three-hour-on, six-hour-off shifts with four scientists aboard over ten days.53:08 The conversation also touches on single-handed ocean passage boat selection, the Contessa 32, microplastic contamination, and the motivational psychology behind extreme exploration.28:27
Boats in this video
More from Sailing Into Oblivion
From Sailing Into Oblivion — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analyzed video.
The Sailing Directory Newsletter
One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.